Classes

"An Instrument for Every Child" completes but does not replace school music classes. Primary schools in North Rhine-Westphalia must offer a total of seven hours' music/art education during the first two grades. "An Instrument for Every Child" is, as of the 2008/2009 school year, one of those class hours and can be included in the curriculum in addition to regular music class.

The primary schools implement "An Instrument for Every Child" on-site in co-operation with the music schools. It is therefore unnecessary for parents to worry about additional transportation to the music schools. The musical instruments are free on loan.

First Grade

• All first graders in the participating primary schools get the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the world of music.
• In the first grade, the children learn to differentiate melody, rhythm, and beat and experience how notes are made.
• They discover what parts make up a guitar and how much air you need to draw notes out of a trumpet. Singing and dancing as well as painting and crafts are not forgotten.
• The classes are taught in tandem: a primary school teacher and a music school teacher form a team. That provides an intensive pedagogic experience.
• Before the end of the first grade, a big decision must be made: the children must choose their favourite instrument. 

Second Grade

• With one of those favoured instruments in their hand, the second graders receive instrument lessons in small groups of five children on average.
• From this stage on, the music school teachers teach alone.
• The instruments are at the little musicians' disposal free of charge for the lessons and for making music at home. 

Third and Fourth Grades

• During the last two years, in addition to the intensive lessons, the pupils make music together in the "Kunterbunt Ensemble". The goal is to learn about music as well as experience how to pursue goals as a group outside of conventional school classes.
At the end of each school year, the young musicians show off what they have learned at a concert. 

Variety of Instruments

16 musical instruments as well as a variety of instruments from other countries in the world are introduced. 

Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, recorder
Brass: trumpet, trombone, French horn
Other: guitar, mandolin, accordion, percussion
As well as, for example: baglama, balalaika, bouzouki, etc.

In addition, every music school can add more musical instruments to their list. For more information, please contact your music school.